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Idaho Driver’s License Age and Residency Requirements

3 min read

To get a driver's license in Idaho, applicants must meet specific age and residency requirements set by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). Whether you're a teen applying for your first license or a new resident transferring an out-of-state license, understanding these criteria is crucial for a smooth licensing process.

Minimum Age Requirements

Idaho offers different licensing stages based on the applicant’s age:

  • 14½ years old: Eligible to apply for a supervised instruction permit (SIP) after completing a state-approved driver’s education course.
  • 15 years old: Eligible to drive under supervision after completing driver’s ed and holding an SIP.
  • 16 years old: Eligible for a driver’s license with restrictions if all supervised driving requirements are met.
  • 17 years and older: May apply for a full driver’s license without completing a driver’s education course, though a knowledge and skills test is still required.

Applicants under 18 must fulfill Idaho's supervised driving requirements and follow learner’s permit restrictions.

Residency Requirements

To obtain an Idaho driver’s license, you must establish legal residency in the state. You are considered an Idaho resident if you:

  • Live in Idaho for more than 90 consecutive days.
  • Work in Idaho.
  • Register to vote in Idaho.
  • Enroll your children in a public school in Idaho.
  • Own or operate a business from a physical address in Idaho.

Residency must be proven using approved documents such as utility bills, lease agreements, or employment records. A full list of acceptable documents is available from the Idaho DMV.

Identification and Documentation

Applicants must bring the following to the DMV:

  • Proof of age and identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
  • Social Security Number (SSN) or proof of ineligibility
  • Proof of Idaho residency (two documents)
  • If under 18, a completed Parental Consent Form

For a full breakdown of what to bring, check out What to Bring to the DMV for an Idaho License.

New Residents

If you’ve recently moved to Idaho, you must obtain an Idaho driver's license within 90 days (or 30 days if you're working in the state). You'll need to surrender your out-of-state license and may be required to pass a written or road test depending on its status and your age.

New residents should review How to Get Your First Idaho Driver’s License for a step-by-step guide.

Teen Driver Pathway

Teens must follow Idaho’s Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program:

  1. Complete an approved driver's education course.
  2. Apply for a SIP at 14½ years old.
  3. Log 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night).
  4. Maintain a clean driving record.
  5. Upgrade to an intermediate license at 16.

Details about this process are available on the Steps to Get an Idaho Learner’s Permit page.

Adhering to these age and residency requirements ensures you're legally eligible to drive in Idaho, helping keep all road users safe and informed.